Message From the Board
January 2023
We have lots of exciting news to share! Strap in - when we say ‘lots,’ we mean it.
First off, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jenny Burns as our 2 day a week Administrator. Most of you already know Jenny as our extremely talented and vivacious Educator, organizing Machaneh Shabbat (Shabbat Camp) every week, and assisting with B Mitzvah Group and Festivals. She will stay on in the role of Educator for one day a week. Jenny will help with organizing, publicity, and general support for our growing congregation. She can continue to be reached at educator@orh.ca for children and youth education matters, as well as administrator@orh.ca for any organizing matters and will also respond to info@orh.ca . Also, Jenny will be at 30 Cleary in person, in Room 5, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Welcome to your expanded role, Jenny!
Speaking of which, did you know that we only have three paid leaders at our synagogue and between them, it is only one full time position? Rabbi Liz’s contract is for less than two days a week, Jenny now has a combined role as Educator/Administrator for three days a week, and Molly Blacher, our book-keeper, works three hours a week. In the past, we have over-relied on volunteers and Rabbi Liz to organize everything, and that model has been breaking down in recent years. Our amazing and esteemed Treasurer is working with a board taskforce to model how we can grow over the next seven years to two full time staff, including a full-time Rabbi. Want to know more? Contact our Treasurer Ari at treasurer@orh.ca.
Related to this, it is great to see so many new people joining us for Teddy Bear Shabbat, Freylekh Fridays (both on the 2nd Friday of each month), and our hybrid Shabbats and Festivals. We hope to increase our membership from 130 people (about 100 households) to 200 people over the next seven years to support weekly services and expanded events, especially for the next generation. If you aren’t yet a member, we have a discount for membership this year (since our membership runs from one High Holidays to the next) and we are happy to discuss reduced rates for those who might have lower incomes, including students. Please contact our dynamic Membership Coordinator, Myrna, at membership@orh.ca – and don’t forget to bring your friends.
And while having an Administrator helps, we still rely on YOU to help setting up and taking down our materials for the in-person “roomies” at Shabbat and Festivals – especially our new Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services as part of Freylekh Fridays. It is surprisingly easy and a great way to meet people. Contact Karen, our In-Person Team Coordinator shabbat@orh.ca to join that team. For the online “Zoomies,” our Tech Team Coordinator David ( techteam@orh.ca ) is always looking for hosts, chat managers, and also people to handle the streaming equipment in the synagogue. And don’t forget that we are now back to potluck meals after in-person services – please bring vegetarian food and meet new people (and eat some truly excellent food).
Finally (phew), we would love to reinstate a monthly lay-led Shabbat, which would allow us to have weekly OrH events. We also need help with Torah readings and High Holidays. Please contact our incredibly talented Rituals Coordinator Shira at rituals@orh.ca rituals@orh.ca for more info.
This year is a special one for Or Haneshamah. It’s our Double-Chai (36th anniversary year). Can you believe it? Appropriately, the next few months will be packed with celebrations. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Tu Bishvat - the birthday of trees (Feb. 6)
Our Portraits of Or Haneshamah Launch Party + Fundraiser (Feb 12)
Annual funding drive (Feb. - April)
Purim (March 5-7)
Pesach (April 5-13)
Annual General Meeting (May 28)
Shavuot (May 25-27), another fundraiser featuring a special OrH flavour of ice cream !
Queer Shabbat and Kabbalat Shabbat picnics over the spring and summer
If you are wondering about all the fundraising, as a small congregation, OrH depends on regular donations to run all our programming. We are also focusing on building on the generous Walter and Teena Hendelman Fund to bring a student rabbi next year. This year, the Walter and Teena Hendelman Fund will help us bring in guest rabbis as Rabbi Liz takes a long-delayed educational leave to complete her counseling certification March-June.
At the May AGM (Sunday, May 28 – save that date!), Carolyn Whitzman will be moving on after two years from the position of President, and we will collectively discuss our 2030 OrH vision and how we all can work towards full time support and an even more inclusive congregation.
And maybe most excitingly, we want to cap off the year with a big Double Chai anniversary celebration in November, featuring a little history, a lot of music, and tons of community! Yes, it is 36 years since the Ottawa Reconstructionist Havurah formed, 10 years since Rabbi Liz joined us, and 10 years at 30 Cleary!
With best wishes and excitement,
Carolyn Whitzman on behalf of the Board
